Gengetone Music

Sexuality, Misogyny and Gender Representation in Popular Media

Abstract

This study examines the influence of gengetone music in mainstream Kenyan media, particularly its effect on social perceptions of gender, sexuality, and cultural identity. It investigates the genre's endorsement of sexualisation, misogyny, and skewed gender representation, by employing feminist and cultural analysis frameworks to investigate how gengetone both mirrors and perpetuates gender stereotypes, frequently representing women as objects for male pleasure while depicting themes of nightlife, casual sex, and substance consumption. It focuses on understanding how gengetone sustains these stereotypes and the implications for female agency and gender dynamics in Kenya's music industry. It posits that gengetone's material, although aligned with urban youth culture, may unintentionally perpetuate detrimental gender biases. The study thus establishes its topical significance, as the swift rise of gengetone's popularity among Kenyan youth renders the analysis of its cultural meanings essential for comprehending its broader social implications. It evaluates the genre's capacity to influence the identities and viewpoints of young listeners on gender roles, investigating how exposure to these representations may affect self-esteem, body image, and societal norms. The scope encompasses an emphasis on Kenyan gengetone, particularly analysing lyrics and video content as the principal data sources. This research enhances discourse on gender representation in popular music, calling for a balanced and socially aware portrayal of women that honours diversity and empowers audiences. The research therefore deepens comprehension of gender dynamics in Kenyan popular culture, emphasizing the media's capacity to uphold or contest existing gender norms.